Tooele County budget cuts impact hazmat division

Contributed

SALT LAKE CITY— Officials are trimming costs for the division that handles hazardous materials in Tooele County because of declining revenues.

Environmental groups say the cuts are worrisome because the area has a radioactive waste landfill and tons of hazardous materials are transported daily through the county.

But Tooele County Sheriff Frank Park tells The Salt Lake Tribune Mondaythat the budget cuts have so far only affected a deputy who oversaw hazmat operations for more than 20 years. The deputy was expected to retire.

Some of the revenue the county has lost includes fees from the EnergySolutions. The company disposes of low-grade radioactive waste from around the country in Clive. The county received $13 million in fees in 2005, but they’ve gotten $2 million so far this year.